Page 12 of One Reckless Moment

“The girl doesn’t pack light, does she?” I mumbled as I picked up the first suitcase and tossed it into the truck bed with a little too much force.

“Did you expect anything different?” Walker chuckled. “One of these is probably only boots.”

“This is going to be a long fucking summer.” I wiped sweat off my forehead with the back of my forearm. It was mid-April, but the summer heat was starting to creep into the morning air.

“Look, I know you and Paige don’t always see eye to eye, but I expect you to look out for her while on the road.” Walker’s face was emotionless, but I knew what he was really saying—keep her away from cowboys, and keep my dirty paws off her.

“You know I always do.”

He tipped his chin as I loaded the second suitcase more gently this time. I closed the tailgate just as Mr. Brooks and Paige approached us on the driveway.

“Ready to go?” Mr. Brooks asked as Paige pulled open the passenger door and threw her backpack inside. She looked so adorably mad.

“Yes, sir. About six hours in the car today and we’ll stay overnight near Billings, and then another three tomorrow. Events start Thursday so we’ll have a day to relax before the chaos begins.”

He clapped me on the shoulder and nodded. “You’re going to do great, kid.”

I nodded back, swallowing the emotions that were quickly boiling to the surface. “I’m going to try.”

Paige hugged her parents and siblings one by one before they headed inside. I got behind the wheel and started the engine just as Buck and Tweety, the two ranch hands who would be joining us, rounded the house.

I didn’t need anyone to come with me, but Mr. Brooks thought it would be good exposure for them. He also thought it would be best to not travel alone all summer.

In hindsight, at least now Paige and I would have a buffer.

Witnesses to any murders.

Precautionary, of course.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t little blondie Brooks,” Buck cooed, checking out Paige from head to toe.

Paige giggled and wrapped him a big hug.

“You joining us on the road, P?” Tweety asked as he looped an arm around her shoulders.

The two peered down at her with star-studded eyes and a bit of drool. I should have guessed that Paige was on a first name basis with these guys, but something about them acting like they were close-knit friends made my skin buzz with an angry energy. Paige was likeable, and when she smiled at you it was soul melting.

Of course they fucking loved her, it was impossible not to.

“Yep. You’re stuck with me.” She winked at him.

“I think there are worse places to be stuck.” Tweety flashed her a sly grin.

“Get in the fucking truck,” I barked, already over their antics.

The two men startled and glanced over at me scowling. Tweety dropped his arm quickly and started loading their bags into the truck bed. Paige climbed into the passenger seat and closed the door. She glanced over at me and smiled sweetly, but I could see right through her.

“Aw, Cash, don’t be jealous.”

“Behave yourself, Pip,” I scolded.

Her smile fell. “Don’t call me that.”

“It’s your name, darlin’.”

“Oh, okay, Jesse.”

I pinned her with a glare. On this ranch—in this life—I was Cash. No one called me Jesse, and I left him behind a long time ago.